1. science

QUALITY EDUCATION FOR MINORITIES (QEM) NETWORK
SUMMER INTERNSHIPS
FOR STEM STUDENTS FROM
TRIBAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
May 26 – July 31, 2015
Participant Benefits Include:
- An opportunity to conduct science education-focused research for 10
weeks in the Washington, DC area
- The opportunity to be mentored by, and interact with, science and science
education professionals in federal agencies and local organizations
- Enrichment opportunities, including a tour of the National Museum of the
American Indian and other area sites
- Roundtrip travel airfare and local/ground transportation allowances
- Housing for the duration of the program
- A $4,000 stipend for full-time participation
- A chance to develop a peer network that includes students from across the
country
INFORMATION AND APPLICATION PACKET
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, March 27, 2015
DECISION NOTICE: Monday, April 20, 2015
Quality Education for Minorities (QEM) Network
1818 N Street, NW • Suite 350 • Washington, DC 20036
Tel: 202/659-1818 • Fax: 202/659-5408
E-mail: qemnetwork@qem.org
Visit the QEM Website: http://qemnetwork.qem.org
QUALITY EDUCATION FOR MINORITIES (QEM) NETWORK
Page 1 of 8
This packet contains:
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A two-page Internship Program Summary
An Eligibility Criteria and Selection/Placement Information Sheet
An Application Checklist and Cover Sheet
An Internship Application Form
Two Recommendation Forms
IMPORTANT:
The completed application and recommendation forms, transcript, essay, and
résumé must be mailed to the QEM Network in a single package postmarked on or
before March 27, 2015. Transcripts may be mailed separately, if necessary, but also
must be postmarked by the deadline date.
MAIL APPLICATIONS AND
DIRECT INQUIRIES TO:
QEM Network
TCUP Internship Program
1818 N Street, NW • Suite 350
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: 202/659-1818 • Fax: 202/659-5408
E-mail: qemnetwork@qem.org
THE QEM NETWORK TCUP SUMMER SCIENCE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
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PROGRAM SUMMARY - 1
The QEM Network
The Quality Education for Minorities (QEM) Network is a Washington, DC-based non-profit
organization dedicated to improving the education of minorities throughout the nation. It serves
as a focal point for the implementation of strategies to help realize the vision and goals set forth
in the 1990 QEM Project report, Education That Works: An Action Plan for the Education of
Minorities.
QEM Network serves as a national resource and catalyst to help unite and strengthen educational
restructuring efforts to the benefit of minority children, youth, and adults, while advancing
minority participation and leadership in the national debate on how best to ensure access to a
quality education for all citizens. It seeks to put into practice the recommendations in the QEM
Action Plan by working with minority and non-minority individuals, organizations, and
agencies across the country to help coordinate and energize efforts to improve the education of
minorities.
The QEM Network TCUP Summer Science Internship Program
With support from the National Science Foundation (NSF)’s Tribal Colleges and Universities
Program (TCUP), QEM is able to offer five summer internships for students enrolled at TCUP
institutions who are pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM)
fields.
The 2015 QEM Network TCUP Summer Science Internship Program will take place May 26 –
July 31, 2015, in Washington, DC. Interns selected for the ten-week internship will receive: (1) a
$4,000 stipend, payable in three installments during the internship; (2) shared housing at George
Washington University, where other QEM summer interns will be staying; and (3) round-trip
airfare and ground/local travel allowances.
During the internship, students will have the opportunity to become knowledgeable about issues
preventing N a t i v e A m e r i c a n a n d o t h e r minority students from receiving a quality
education as well as about various health disparities that disproportionately affect American Indian
and other minority groups. Students also will become familiar with policies, programs, and
strategies being implemented to address these issues. Interns will be provided opportunities to
strengthen their communications, research, and leadership skills; interact with program officers
at NSF and other federal agencies who are involved in implementing science education policy
and managing national STEM programs; visit a range of offices, museums, and other sciencefocused sites in the Washington area; and develop a peer network that includes students from
across the country who are serving as summer interns in other QEM programs.
Applicants must be pursuing a STEM-related degree at an accredited tribal college or university
and must have successfully completed at least the freshman year by the start of the summer
program.
THE QEM NETWORK TCUP SUMMER SCIENCE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
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PROGRAM SUMMARY - 2
Program Description
The ten-week internship includes a four-day pre-internship professional development session,
a nine-week research-focused assignment with a mentor/advisor, and a post-internship
reflection session. Interns also participate in several special enrichment activities during the
summer. Tribal college internships are related to science education policy/ practice and health
disparities that disproportionately affect minority groups. Research projects will be designed
to allow students the best opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills and to transfer
internship experiences to their college studies and communities. Descriptions of actual
assignments are available after students have been selected for the program. Specific research
topics will be based on students’ career and research interests in areas in which
mentors/advisors are working.
The Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a feature of the Internship Program that results
from joint planning for the internship experience by the student and the mentor/advisor.
The IDP specifies the intern’s learning objectives as well as the training experiences and
timetable required for completing the objectives. Interns will complete IDPs and will be
expected to submit written mid-term and final reports on their internship experiences. The
reports will outline the individual intern’s activities and document progress during the
internship as well as explain specific details of the experience. As part of their professional
development during the summer, interns receive both mid-term and final evaluations from
their mentors/ advisors as well as ongoing feedback from program staff.
Benefits
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Taxable stipends will be available for full-time participation in the entire ten-week program.
Interns will receive taxable stipends of $4,000.
One round-trip airline ticket will be provided between home or school and Washington, DC.
Interns also will receive ground transportation and local travel allowances.
Shared summer housing will be provided for all interns who are not from the Washington, DC
metropolitan area. The provision of housing is viewed by the IRS as income and is, therefore,
taxable.
In keeping with federal regulations, FICA taxes will be deducted from both stipends and campus
housing costs.
Application Process
Applicants must provide the following documents:
1. A completed Internship Application Form
2. A current résumé that includes any volunteer/service-learning activities and research/technical skills
3. A current transcript (an unofficial photocopy is acceptable)
4. A 500-word, double-spaced, typed essay describing:
a. Career objectives
b. How participation in the internship will add to your personal and academic development
c. A particular challenge you faced/are facing and how you overcame/are overcoming it
5. Two Recommendation Forms (use the forms included in this packet) with supporting narratives
(one recommendation must be from a faculty member in the applicant’s major department)
The completed application and recommendation forms, transcript, essay, and a résumé must be mailed to
QEM Network in a single package postmarked on or before March 27, 2015. Transcripts may be mailed
separately, if necessary, but also must be postmarked by the deadline date.
THE QEM NETWORK TCUP SUMMER SCIENCE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
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INFORMATION SHEET
TCUP Science Education-Focused Internship
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for TCUP internships must meet each of the following eligibility conditions:
•  Must be a citizen or national of the United States. (Note: A “national of the United States”
is a citizen of the United States or a native resident of a possession of the United States
such as Guam or American Samoa. It does not refer to a citizen of another country who
is a U.S. permanent resident. U.S. permanent residents are not eligible for Science Student
Internships.)
•  Must be currently enrolled in an accredited tribal college or university and must have
successfully completed at least the freshman year by the start of the program.
• Must be successfully pursuing a degree in a science (life or physical sciences, computer
science, behavioral sciences, or social sciences), technology, engineering, or mathematics
(STEM)-related field.
•  Must be returning to a tribal college the following academic year, except in the case of
students who will have completed their degree programs by the start of the internship. In the
latter case, such applicants must have been accepted into a four-year or graduate program
that begins in the fall.
• Must have a significant interest in working to improve STEM education for American
Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other minorities; participating in outreach
activities that are educational in nature and that involve American Indian or minority
students from low-income families; and assuming a leadership role at their colleges or
universities.
•  Must be committed to participating in the summer program for the full ten-week period.
•  Must be willing to participate in a telephone interview if chosen as finalists.
•  Must be interested in pursuing baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate degrees in a STEM field.
Selection and Placement
Finalists may be selected and interviewed by members of QEM’s professional staff. Final
selections will be made by matching applicants’ qualifications, career interests, and
backgrounds with the overall goals of the Internship Program and the available assignments.
Interns will be selected from among the group of finalists without regard to race, sexual
orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, or physical handicap. QEM will officially
notify all applicants in writing of the final outcome of their applications.
THE QEM NETWORK TCUP SUMMER SCIENCE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
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APPLICATION CHEKCLIST AND COVERSHEET
TCUP Science Education-focused Internship at QEM
Goals: To increase the knowledge and understanding of interns about issues preventing
American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and other minority students from
receiving a quality education as well as about various health disparities that
disproportionately affect Native Americans and other minority groups; and to enable them to
become familiar with policies, programs, and strategies being implemented to address these
issues.
After completing your application, please complete the checklist below and
attach this cover sheet to your application:
APPLICATION PACKET INCLUDES:
Internship Application Form
Current Résumé
Current Transcript (an unofficial photocopy is acceptable)
A 500-word, double-spaced, typed Essay describing:
a. Career objectives
b. How participation in the internship will add to your personal and
academic development
c. A particular challenge you faced/are facing and how you overcame/
are overcoming it
Two Recommendation Forms with supporting narratives
Name: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
THE QEM NETWORK TCUP SUMMER SCIENCE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
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APPLICATION FORM
(Please type or print legibly)
Application Deadline: March 27, 2015
Name: ________________________________________________ Female ___ Date of Birth _________
Last
First
M.I.
Male ___
Preferred Mailing Address ______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________ Phone Number _______________________
City
State
Zip Code
E-mail ____________________________________________________
College/University _________________________________________
Department _______________________________________________
Are you a citizen or national of the United States? (Note: The term “national” refers to a citizen of the United
States or a native resident of a U.S. possession. It does not refer to a citizen of another country who is a
permanent resident of the United States.) Yes ____ No ____
Current Academic Status of Applicant:
Freshman _____ Sophomore _____ Other (please identify) ________________________________________
Science- or Engineering-related Degree Program in which Applicant is Currently Enrolled:
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Grade Point Average: Overall: ________ Major _______
•
An applicant must be currently enrolled in a science-related degree program and have completed at
least the freshman year at an accredited tribal college or university by the start date of the program.
•
A current transcript (an unofficial photocopy is acceptable) is required.
•
A current résumé is required. Be sure your résumé reflects all of your work including
volunteer/service-learning activities as well as research or computer/technology skills.
•
Prepare and attach a 500-word, double-spaced, typed essay addressing the following:
 Career objectives
 How participation in the internship will add to your personal and academic development
 A particular challenge you faced/are facing and how you overcame/are overcoming it
•
A complete application must include two recommendations (at least one from a departmental faculty
member in your major). Please use the forms included in this application packet.
List below the names, departmental addresses, and phone numbers of the individuals from whom you are
requesting recommendations for this application.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
How did you learn about the QEM Network TCUP Internship Program? ______________________________
Signature __________________________________________________ Date _____________________
I hereby certify that the information I have provided on this application is accurate to the best of my knowledge.
I understand that providing false information could disqualify me from participation in this program.
THE QEM NETWORK TCUP SUMMER SCIENCE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
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RECOMMENDATION FORM
(Please type or print)
Application Deadline: March 27, 2015
(To be returned in a sealed envelope to applicant for inclusion in application packet)
To be completed by the Applicant
Applicant’s Name: ___________________________________________________________________
Last
First
M.I.
College/University: __________________________________________________________________
To be completed by the Recommender
Mr. ___ Ms. ___ Dr. ___
Name and Position/Title: _____________________________________________________________
Institution/Organization: _____________________________________________________________
Department: _________________________________________________________________________
Telephone: ________________________ E-mail: __________________________________________
How long have you known the applicant and in what capacity?
____________________________________________________________________________________
Using “X” in the boxes below, please rate the applicant in the following areas:
AREA
Academic Achievement
Below
Average
Average
Very
Good
Excellent
Knowledge of Main Discipline
(for his/her academic level)
Leadership
Concern for Others
Initiative
Potential for Growth
Ability to Work in a Team
Independence and Maturity
On a separate sheet, please tell us in narrative form why you endorse this student for the Internship
Program. Be sure to address what you know about the student’s academic achievement and professional
experience; participation in extra-curricular activities; and work in school, government, or community
service. Please address what you think is important to know about this student, including more details on
the ratings provided above. We are particularly interested in the candidate’s motivation, integrity,
leadership potential, and special talents. We welcome any information that will help us to gauge this
student’s potential to benefit from the opportunity to conduct science education and health-focused
research during the summer.
Signature __________________________________________________ Date _____________________
Please return the completed form to the applicant in a sealed envelope so that it can be included in the student’s
application package which must reach QEM by the deadline stated above. If this is not possible, please mail before
the deadline date to:
QEM Network TCUP Internship Program
1818 N Street, NW, Suite 350  Washington, DC 20036
Tel: 202/659-1818  Fax: 202/659-5408
THE QEM NETWORK TCUP SUMMER SCIENCE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Page 8 of 8
RECOMMENDATION FORM
(Please type or print)
Application Deadline: March 27, 2015
(To be returned in a sealed envelope to applicant for inclusion in application packet)
To be completed by the Applicant
Applicant’s Name: ___________________________________________________________________
Last
First
M.I.
College/University: __________________________________________________________________
To be completed by the Recommender
Mr. ___ Ms. ___ Dr. ___
Name and Position/Title: _____________________________________________________________
Institution/Organization: _____________________________________________________________
Department: _________________________________________________________________________
Telephone: ________________________ E-mail: __________________________________________
How long have you known the applicant and in what capacity?
____________________________________________________________________________________
Using “X” in the boxes below, please rate the applicant in the following areas:
AREA
Academic Achievement
Below
Average
Average
Very
Good
Excellent
Knowledge of Main Discipline
(for his/her academic level)
Leadership
Concern for Others
Initiative
Potential for Growth
Ability to Work in a Team
Independence and Maturity
On a separate sheet, please tell us in narrative form why you endorse this student for the Internship
Program. Be sure to address what you know about the student’s academic achievement and professional
experience; participation in extra-curricular activities; and work in school, government, or community
service. Please address what you think is important to know about this student, including more details on
the ratings provided above. We are particularly interested in the candidate’s motivation, integrity,
leadership potential, and special talents. We welcome any information that will help us to gauge this
student’s potential to benefit from the opportunity to conduct science education and health-focused
research during the summer.
Signature __________________________________________________ Date _____________________
Please return the completed form to the applicant in a sealed envelope so that it can be included in the student’s
application package which must reach QEM by the deadline stated above. If this is not possible, please mail before
the deadline date to:
QEM Network TCUP Internship Program
1818 N Street, NW, Suite 350  Washington, DC 20036
Tel: 202/659-1818  Fax: 202/659-5408